Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Roma forward Felix Afena-Gyan but the youngster's arrival could potentially see Wilfried Zaha head in the opposite direction.

What's the word?

According to Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio, Palace are interested in the 19-year-old and are readying a bid between €10 and €12 million (£8.5m-£10.1m), as they look to tempt him away from the Stadio Olimpico.

However, the report also suggests that Jose Mourinho's side are very keen on Zaha and that Palace have offered the Ivorian forward to Roma ahead of his contract expiring at the end of next season.

A good swap for Palace?

Zaha is undoubtedly one of the most important players in Patrick Vieira's side and looks to be at the peak of his powers, after registering the best goal-scoring season of his career in the 2021/22 season.

His 14 league goals saw him finish comfortably as Palace's top scorer, and it would be a big blow for the Eagles to lose someone so influential this summer, even with his contract situation taken into account.

In Afena-Gyan, Palace would be getting a top prospect and banking on his potential, but in reality, he has made just 22 senior club appearances in his career thus far and it would represent a big risk by the Palace board.

He was prolific with Roma's academy side and has already earned six caps for Ghana, so there is clearly talent there, but it would be a huge ask for him to replace Zaha in Vieira's side.

Ghanaian compatriot and namesake Asamoah Gyan was full of praise for the teenage Roma forward last season, saying:
"He’s a very good player.
“He’s got pace, passion. I saw the game against Nigeria in Kumasi. He was more passionate, he wanted to give something to the people, and that’s what he did. He knew what he had to do.”
Therefore, Afena-Gyan could prove to be a top signing by Steve Parish this summer, but if it results in Zaha heading to Italy, then it would be a huge risk by the Eagles.

AND, in other news: Vieira could land his own Ballon d’Or nominee with Palace bid for "amazing" £20m gem